Jump to content
IGNORED

Offset or no offset driver?


Note: This thread is 3538 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

So Ive got an offset knockoff FT-i driver. While I like it and it keeps "most" of my shots in play, should I be playing a neutral driver head.

I feel like my swing will not improve if I use a club that compensates for my bad driver swing.....

Plus the face is offset and very closed at address, which is a)weird and b) the trajectory is painfully high. I make ball marks in fairways! It carries about 250 260 but then thats it, when it hits the ground it stays there.

You think I should deal with that, or should I get a neutral driver and just practice hitting it in bounds, I think I'd like more carry and more roll after my drive, but Im afraid I'll be putting it in other fairways most of the time...

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Jim

In my Ogio Blade Stand Bag:
 

TaylorMade Burner 10.5*

Adams Insight BUL 15*
Taylormade RBZ 3H

TaylorMade RBZ 4-AW

Vokey SM4 54-11

Cleveland CG14 58 2 dot wedge

Ping Karsten Series Craz-E putter

Top Flite Gamer

Link to comment
Share on other sites


You'd probably benefit from something that wasn't a knock-off either as well...

I'd try out some of the newer drivers. A strong suggestion for the Ping G10, you'd probably really like that club.

Driver Ping G10 10.5*
Hybrids Ping G5 (3) 19* Bridgestone J36 (4) 22*
Irons Mizuno MP-57 5-PW
Wedges Srixon WG-504 52.08 Bridgestone WC Copper 56.13
Putter 33" Scotty Cameron Studio Select #2

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I say get a neutral-face driver and practice with it, but you have to be patient. I spent several months and many lessons to correct my driver slice, which was due to an over-the-top swing (caused by bad swing mechanics).

2011 Goals:
* Improve club-head speed to 90 mph with the driver
* Ensure increased speed does not compromise accuracy
* Prevent overextending on the back-swing (left-arm is bending too much at the top)
* Relax arms initially at address ( too tense)* Play more full rounds (failed from 2010)

Link to comment
Share on other sites


My experience is that those offset face drivers will only slightly compensate for improper swing mechanics.

"You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred." Woody Allen
My regular pasture.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I agree. If you want a new driver, go for a Ping G10 with the Graffaloy ProLaunch Red Shaft. They just lowered the price by $50 because of the new G15 coming up so thats a pretty good deal.

The shaft will give your ball a much lower trajectory which will add distance with roll and Ping drivers are really nice.

"Yep. Inside each and every one of us is one true authentic swing. Somethin' we was born with. Somethin' that's ours and ours alone. Somethin' that can't be taught to ya or learned. Somethin' that got to be remembered."

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I bought the R9 this year so that I could change the clubface and eventually get used to having a neutral or even open clubface. Unfortunately I don't like the R9 itself however I can now hit it with a neutral setting.

Given your handicap I'd suggest going with the closed face. Golf is so much more fun when you are hitting fairways. For myself I'm thinking of getting an Adams Insight Tech A4 (expecting a price drop now that the new clubs are out) and using that for the driving range to work on my swing while going back to my Cleveland XLS on the course.
Driver :Adams Speedline 9032LS 10.5*
Woods:Wilson Staff FYbrid 3W
Hybrids:Wilson Staff FYbrid (wood/hybrid gap)
Hybrids:Ben Hogan Edge CFT 3H & 4H
Irons:King Cobra S9 5I-PWSand Wedge:Cleveland CG12-58*Putter:Ping Redwood AnserBall:Nike Karma/Topflite GamerFavourite Gizmo:Club Caddy
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Hey guys, I have the pro launch red on the driver im playing now. The G10 is so expensive, saw it at golfsmith for like 250 bucks....

Ive got about 100 dollars to spend and Ive been looking at the R7 draw, does that have a noticeably closed face?

Thanks!

Jim

In my Ogio Blade Stand Bag:
 

TaylorMade Burner 10.5*

Adams Insight BUL 15*
Taylormade RBZ 3H

TaylorMade RBZ 4-AW

Vokey SM4 54-11

Cleveland CG14 58 2 dot wedge

Ping Karsten Series Craz-E putter

Top Flite Gamer

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Reading between the lines here it would seem that some posters are confusing an offset driver with a closed, open or square faced driver.
Offset clubs are designed to allow a non perfect swing to have more chance of meeting the ball square as it gets through a fraction later.
Offset has nothing to do with draw, fade or neutral bias.

In the race of life, always back self-interest. At least you know it's trying.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Well, the offset itself creates a closed face on the driver that I have right now. I have read that most drivers now have a very slightly closed face anyways, something like .5* to 1*...

Im fine with that, but I swear the one im playing now is a solid 3 to 4* closed face.... It kills my confidence when I look at it at address, and the trajectory is wicked high...

Jim

In my Ogio Blade Stand Bag:
 

TaylorMade Burner 10.5*

Adams Insight BUL 15*
Taylormade RBZ 3H

TaylorMade RBZ 4-AW

Vokey SM4 54-11

Cleveland CG14 58 2 dot wedge

Ping Karsten Series Craz-E putter

Top Flite Gamer

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Try the R7 Draw. There is nothing wrong with it, maybe it will work for you.

Driver Ping G10 10.5*
Hybrids Ping G5 (3) 19* Bridgestone J36 (4) 22*
Irons Mizuno MP-57 5-PW
Wedges Srixon WG-504 52.08 Bridgestone WC Copper 56.13
Putter 33" Scotty Cameron Studio Select #2

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Dicks has the SQ sumo 5000 on sale for 129... whatya guys think of that one?

Jim

In my Ogio Blade Stand Bag:
 

TaylorMade Burner 10.5*

Adams Insight BUL 15*
Taylormade RBZ 3H

TaylorMade RBZ 4-AW

Vokey SM4 54-11

Cleveland CG14 58 2 dot wedge

Ping Karsten Series Craz-E putter

Top Flite Gamer

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Well, the offset itself creates a closed face on the driver that I have right now. I have read that most drivers now have a very slightly closed face anyways, something like .5* to 1*...

Offset has nothing to do with any kind of horizontal flight bias. The only thing it affects is flight height. If you hit a 3-4 degree closed face straight then you obviously need 3-4 degrees closed, as your club is quite a bit open at impact.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


No offset...I recommend using a regular club and focusing on improving your swing.

I slice into the next golf course...but I bought a regular driver to force improvement...and no regrets...it's certainly paying off!
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Dicks has the SQ sumo 5000 on sale for 129... whatya guys think of that one?

I have the Sumo2 5900, have hit the 5000 several times and really like it. Check on Ebay, as well. You may have luck there, especially with used clubs. One other thing to consider is your ball flight. If you are hitting it too high and not getting roll, you could be swinging too steeply and/or "over the top". You could try a lower lofted driver or work on swinging more "inside" the ball. That would definitely bring your ball flight down.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Dicks has the SQ sumo 5000 on sale for 129... whatya guys think of that one?

I've got the 5000, and I actually bought it used for more than that a little while back. It got bumped in favor of my Dymo Str8-Fit, but I really liked it, and I'll still use it from time to time. I plan on getting it reshafted soon, and I'm sure I'll use it a little more once I get that done. With that said, I'm not sure what your swing speed and tempo is like, but I recommend favoring a little stiffer and maybe a little heavier shaft on this one. I'd jump on that if I were you.

I have the Sumo2 5900, have hit the 5000 several times and really like it. Check on Ebay, as well. You may have luck there, especially with used clubs. One other thing to consider is your ball flight.

I was thinking the same thing when I read this post. Either that, or your weight is hanging back a little bit on the downswing. That's a problem I've been fighting off and on. Focus on a good weight shift, and hit through the ball, and the flight should come down.

 
Follow me on Twitter - TST_Justin
 -  -  - 
 
This Week's Bag Drop - Miura Passing Point 9003 Forged Irons and Adams Idea Pro a12 Irons and Hybrids  - Sweet new forged cavity backs from Miura (do they make any irons that arent simply beautiful?) and irons/hybrids from Adams created with...

Link to comment
Share on other sites


You'd probably benefit from something that wasn't a knock-off either as well...

Why would you say this? I don't know the original poster, but given what he is saying, I imagine the club he is playing is probably the Integra Quadratic offset. And contrary to the OP's knowledge it isn't an FTi knock off it actually came out before the FTi.

Integra also is not a clone company, they have unique designs and are a regular in LDA compititions. In fact, most components are not clones, and most would say they are just as playable as the OEM clubs. I think alot of people assume that Nike, Callaway, Ping, etc all make better stuff because they charge more for it. You are paying for the advertising. Component clubs like those sold through Golf Works, Hireko, Golfsmith, and others are all excellent quality clubs that offer an excellent value for those of us without a ton of money to spend.

In my bag:

some golf clubs

a few golf balls

a bag of tee's some already broken the rest soon to be

a snickers wrapper (if you have seen me play, you would know you are not going anywhere for a while)

and an empty bottle of water

Link to comment
Share on other sites


If you are hitting a 10.5 degree driver with a closed face and you are hitting it high, I fear that it is a swing flaw. In most cases a closed face club causes the loft to be less, but because you are opening the club face 3+ degrees it you are adding a bunch of loft. I recommend you spend your $100 on a few lessons to try to work out your swing flaw and then pick up your regular club.

In my bag:

some golf clubs

a few golf balls

a bag of tee's some already broken the rest soon to be

a snickers wrapper (if you have seen me play, you would know you are not going anywhere for a while)

and an empty bottle of water

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Why would you say this? I don't know the original poster, but given what he is saying, I imagine the club he is playing is probably the Integra Quadratic offset. And contrary to the OP's knowledge it isn't an FTi knock off it actually came out before the FTi.

Meanwhile, back at the original post in this thread ... I've been building my own clubs for a number of years. Places mentioned above, i.e. Golfsmith, Golfworks, Dynacraft, etc. all have high quality standards. So assuming the clubhead is of inferior quality/construction and therefore forces a poor swing, i.e. push, slice, hook is incorrect . What happnes a lot is people see these heads for less than 100 bucks, buy a shaft someone said was a "good" shaft and toss on a grip. "Whalla, I got an FTi knockoff for 125 bucks!!!" The head is so poorly matched to the shaft, the grip, shaft length, flex and torque are not considered and the club has a poorly designed swingweight/dynamic weight ratio. Tiger Woods couldn't hit a club so poorly constructed. People building (or buying) clubs need to know a lot more about club dynamics, construction, swingweighting, etc. to understand how to put a club together. My guess (having no idea) is that the shaft, head, grip and length of your "knock-off" is a pooly matched set. You can't just buy a club (off the rack or something built) and expect it to work. You need to know something about clubs, your swing, etc. in short: get fitted.
  • Upvote 1
I make all my own clubs:
Driver: Snake Eyes Python XLD | | 3-Wood: Snake Eyes Python XL Faiway, 15*  | | Snake Eyes HT Iron Set, 3-, 4-Utility, 5-, 6-Hybrid, 7-PW Cavity Back | | Golfsmith G-40 Wedges, 52, 56, 60 | | Distance Master DM-AS2 Putter | |Ball? The last one I found ... that... was YOURS!!
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 3538 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • Thanks for the feedback. @StuM, we are a "club without real estate" so no facilities or pro. We have a membership of around 185 players and we only play together as a group at our tournaments, which are held at public access courses. A group of us setup the tournaments, collect the money and dole out the prizes.
    • In general, granting free relief anywhere on the course isn't recommended.  Similarly, when marking GUR, the VSGA and MAPGA generally don't mark areas that are well away from the intended playing lines, no matter how poor the conditions.  If you hit it far enough offline, you don't necessarily deserve free relief.  And you don't have to damage clubs, take unplayable relief, take the stroke, and drop the ball in a better spot.
    • If it's not broken don't fix it. If you want to add grooves to it just because of looks that's your choice of course. Grooves are cut into putter faces to reduce skid, the roll faced putter is designed to do the same thing. I'm no expert but it seems counter productive to add grooves to the roll face. Maybe you can have it sand-blasted or something to clean up the face. Take a look at Tigers putter, its beat to hell but he still uses it.     
    • I get trying to limit relief to the fairway, but how many roots do you typically find in the fairway? Our local rule allows for relief from roots & rocks anywhere on the course (that is in play). My home course has quite a few 100 year old oaks that separate the fairways. Lift and move the ball no closer to the hole. None of us want to damage clubs.
    • Hello, I've been playing a Teardrop td17 F.C. putter for many years and love it. It still putts and feels as good or  better than any of the new putters I've tried and it's in excellent condition except the face has dings in it ever since I bought it used that kind of bother me. I was just wondering if it's possible to have some really shallow horizontal grooves milled into the face on a "roll face" putter. I think I would rather spend some money on it instead of trying to get used to a new putter.  Thanks
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...